Want to learn how to make pillows but aren’t interested in sewing? Learn one way to make no-sew pillows using iron-on adhesive!
How to make no-sew pillows, an easy tutorial!
I had dinner with a friend a few weeks ago (Hi Bree!), and she gave me some good advice. She said that I need to simplify some of my DIY tutorial posts—not because readers weren’t skilled enough to do them or couldn’t follow them, but because people don’t always have a ton of time or resources (like a sewing machine).
People like things to be easy and straightforward. So, I decided to put away the sewing machine for this post and focus on a no-sew option.
A few months ago, I made a set of striped throw pillow covers, and while I love them, they did take a while to make. So, today I’m doing a tutorial on making easy no-sew pillows! If you’ve ever wanted to make your own pillows but don’t want to buy a sewing machine, keep reading to learn about how to make easy no-sew pillows.
Supplies
- Fabric (must be able to be ironed).
- Measuring tape and scissors.
- Thermoweb Heat’n Bond Ultra Hold Iron-On Adhesive (this kind…or you can use Stitch Witchery, just make sure to get the “super” hold kind).
- Filler/batting (I used this kind, which is really, really soft).
- Iron & ironing board/pad.
And here’s how to make no-sew pillows!
Step 1: Measure & cut fabric
First you’ll need to measure and cut two pieces of fabric. Then, trim the edges to ensure they line up around all four sides. Also—and this is important—make sure the fabric can be ironed 🙂
Step 2: Add adhesive
Next it’s time to begin adding adhesive. Put one piece facing right-side up on your ironing board. Place pieces of iron-on adhesive paper-side-up around the fabric’s border—make sure to leave a small opening as pictured below.
Following your iron-on adhesive’s directions, iron the adhesive onto the fabric. The instructions can be a little different depending on which brand you use. A tip—if you use Thermoweb Heat’n Bond Ultra Hold like I did, you might want to iron for just a few seconds longer than what the directions recommend.
Step 3: Join the two pieces of fabric
Once it cools, gently peel your iron-on adhesive’s paper backing off. Set the piece of fabric right-side up on your ironing board; then, place your second piece of fabric right-side down on top of it.
Your two pieces of fabric should now be laying on top of one another with the right sides facing one another. Following your iron-on adhesive’s directions, adhere your two fabric pieces together.
After you iron the two pieces together, cut a bit off the corners before turning it right-side out; this will make it easier to achieve the square/rectangle shape. Just don’t cut past the bonding, or else you’ll have holes in your pillow corners.
Step 4: Flip and stuff!
Once everything cools, turn right-side out and stuff using pillow stuffing. To close your pillow’s opening, cut an iron-on adhesive strip that’s the same length as the opening. Fold the fabric on the opening in until it lines up with the “seam” along the side of the pillow.
Using your iron, adhere the two sides of the opening to one another. This will blend in pretty well with the other seam you created around the perimeter of the pillow.
Instead of using an iron to adhere the two sides of the opening to one another, you can use a flat iron (the kind you use on your hair). This might be a little bit more manageable given the awkward angle.
Like this? Check out my Beeswax and Coconut Oil Candles Recipe, my DIY Paver Plant Stand, and my My Favorite Painted Furniture Projects!
I started out wanting to make a simple little pillow using my leftover fabric, but I guess it’s going to end up being a cat bed, because Blanche hopped on it for a nap right away. Isn’t that just what you’d expect a cat to do?? Love my girl!
Pin my easy no-sew pillows tutorial!
